insecto

insect

noun een-SEHK-toh Less Common

Origin: From Latin insectum (notched), from insecare (to cut into), describing the segmented body.

Also means

bug

Usage Note

Insecto is the formal, zoological term; in everyday speech bicho (critter, bug) is more colloquial. Insecto is masculine despite most -o endings being predictably so — worth noting because learners sometimes reach for el insecta. The plural insectos is regular.

Examples

"Vimos muchos insectos cerca del río."

Natural Translation

We saw many insects near the river.

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